Bill > A01647

This bill amends the New York State Penal Law to decriminalize the possession of buprenorphine, a medication commonly used to treat opioid addiction. Specifically, the bill modifies two definitions in section 220.00 of the penal law: "controlled substance" and "narcotic preparation". By adding the phrase "other than buprenorphine" to these definitions, the bill effectively removes buprenorphine from the list of substances that can be considered controlled substances or narcotic preparations under the law. This change means that individuals possessing buprenorphine will no longer be subject to criminal penalties related to controlled substance possession. Buprenorphine is a medication-assisted treatment (MAT) drug that helps people recover from opioid addiction by reducing withdrawal symptoms and cravings. The bill will take effect on the first of November following its passage, providing a clear timeline for implementation of this legal change.

Housing and Urban Affairs

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/A1647